Raycroft Joins Leafs After Passing Physical
Posted June 27, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After passing his physical in Toronto on Tuesday, a jet-lagged Andrew Raycroft officially became Toronto’s number one goalie.
The Leafs picked up Raycroft from Boston during the N.H.L. draft, giving up goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask.
The 26-year-old native of Belleville, Ont., just returned from a vacation in Italy, but he quickly switched gears and started focusing on the upcoming season.
“It’s going to be a great experience,” said Raycroft. “I’m looking forward to contributing and having a good season.”
Despite some inconsistent play in 05/06, Leafs GM John Ferguson believes Raycroft can find his top form again.
“He’s only 26 and he’s still getting better as a professional,” Ferguson said. “Last season is not reflective of his entire body of work.
“I’m not sure we make any decisions that don’t involved risk. You look around the league and there’s only a few guys who’ve earned starting positions at his age.”
Roycroft shares his G.M.’s optimism.
“Everybody has gone through a year like that. How you’re judged is how you bounce back.”
“You learn a lot about yourself when things go bad,” he said. “It’s made me a better player and a better person.”
